How to Store Your Refinishing Products This Fall – Tips for Pros and Homeowners

With the current hot and sticky weather, it’s hard to imagine that fall is right around the corner.

Once fall settles in and temperatures start to fluctuate, it's time to think beyond your next refinishing job and focus on how you’re storing the products that make your work shine.

Whether you’re a professional refinisher or a homeowner with a DIY spirit, safe storage is key to keeping your investment—and your surfaces—looking their best.

NAPCO’s high-performance refinishing products are formulated for durability and ease of use, but like any professional-grade materials, they need to be stored properly to maintain their integrity. Cooler temps may feel like a relief after summer heat, but they can quietly damage improperly stored coatings.

A few simple steps now can save you time, money, and frustration later.

1. Keep Products Indoors and Temperature-Controlled

NAPCO recommends storing all refinishing products between 50°F and 90°F, away from direct sunlight and never in unheated garages, sheds, or vehicles. Sudden drops in temperature can lead to thickening, separation, or even product failure.

Two products especially sensitive to cold temps:

• Kitchen Renew Satin Clear Countertop Coating
  This 1K waterborne clear topcoat gives countertops a sleek, durable finish, but it must be stored in a stable, indoor environment to maintain proper consistency.
• Poly-Glass 320 Coatings
  Designed for tubs, tile, and showers, this VOC-compliant coating performs best when stored above 50°F and protected from freezing conditions.

2. Seal Everything Tightly

Whether it’s epoxy, primer, or topcoat, always make sure lids are sealed tight after use. Even in cool temperatures, exposure to air can cause solvents to evaporate and impact product quality. A snug lid also prevents contaminants like dust and moisture from getting into your coatings.

3. Avoid the Freeze-Thaw Cycle

Waterborne products like Kitchen Renew are especially vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage. If your product has been exposed to freezing temperatures, inspect it before use—clumping, separation, or an off texture are signs it’s no longer usable. Always bring products inside before overnight temps drop too low.

4. Stay Organized

Use fall as a time to label your products by purchase date and rotate older stock to the front. That way, you’ll reduce waste and avoid surprises during your next project. Consider grouping products by type or application area to streamline your workflow when busy season returns.

Why It Matters

For refinishers, proper storage means fewer product issues and consistently high-quality finishes. For homeowners, it helps preserve leftover material for future touch-ups or seasonal projects.

NAPCO products are made to perform, but they’ll only perform their best if you take care of them in the off-season. A little storage prep now means better results later.

FAQs on Storing Refinishing Products

Q: How do you store leftover polyurethane?

A: Store leftover polyurethane in its original, tightly sealed container. Wipe the rim before closing to ensure a tight seal. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For oil-based polyurethane, store upside down to reduce skin formation on top. For water-based polyurethane, avoid freezing.

Q: What is the best way to store water-based finishes?

A: Store water-based finishes in a temperature-controlled environment between 50°F and 80°F (10°C–27°C). Avoid freezing, as ice crystals can ruin the product. Keep the lid tightly sealed, and if possible, transfer smaller amounts to airtight containers to minimize air exposure.

Q: Can I store refinishing products in my garage?

A: Only if your garage is climate-controlled. Extreme heat can cause finishes to cure prematurely in the can, while freezing can permanently damage water-based products. For best results, store them indoors.

Q: How can I tell if a refinishing product has gone bad?

A: Signs include foul odor, thick lumps, unusual separation that doesn’t remix, or a jelly-like texture. Test a small amount before using on a project.

Q: Should I store refinishing products in metal or plastic containers?

A: Keep them in their original container whenever possible. If transferring, use containers designed for solvents or finishes. Avoid food containers, which can leach or react.

Q: How do I extend the life of opened finishes?

A: Reduce air exposure by filling the headspace with inert gas, storing the can upside down (for oil-based), or transferring to smaller airtight containers.

Need help choosing the right products for cooler weather work? NAPCO’s team is just a call away at 1‑800‑888‑1081.